Here in Italy we have ‘La Befana’, much like Santa Claus, she fills the stockings with candy and toys for the good children or leaves a lump of coal for those who have misbehaved. Only La Befana is an old woman who rides a broom the and comes to visit the Eve of Epiphany. There are many versions of the story of La Befana this one sums it up quite nicely… Continue reading “WHAT’S GOING ON… La Befana”→

Made of the finest Italian lambskin, the glove has been uniquely designed from the wrist up to be touchscreen compatible.

A Touchscreen works by sensing the conductive properties of the skin. Revolutionary technology integrated into the leather of the gloves mimics these properties ensuring that the entire hand works invisibly with all touch screen phones and tablets: no metallic dots, patches or cut-outs. Since the technology in the gloves function on their own we are able to fully insulate the gloves with a layer of luxurious silk or cozy cashmere lining. The leather is soft, warm and durable like one would expect; offering the wearer maximum comfort just like any other glove. This one just happens to work with your phone.

The act of tanning is to make animal hides into leather. While the process of tanning permanently alters the protein in the hide for durability and longevity.

Vegetable tanning inparticular uses a tannin naturally found in the bark and leaves of many plants (mostly trees, such as chestnut and oak). This age-old tradition has been passed down for generations from father to son. The skilled craftsmen stretch the hides on frames and place them in large vats/wooden drums for several weeks (up to 60 days) of increasing concentrations of tannin. Once tanned the hides become less water-soluble, more flexible, and more resistant to bacterial attack. The supple browns that are created during tanning age with use making very rich warm tones; this process creates unique characteristics and one of a kind products. The price of vegetable tanned leather goods directly correspond with the higher quality and skill level it takes to produce each article.

image from inkleafleather.com

Unfortunately high quality vegetable tanning is disappearing in Europe; the exception is here in Italy where, especially in Tuscany, we have no shortage of beautiful vegetable tanned leather bags and accessories. “Choosing Tuscan Vegetable Tanned Leather is not only for the quality and value of a product it is for the vital, sensual experience of using it day by day.” – Pelle Conciata al Vegetale in Toscana

Just look for the following logo to know that your bag or accessory was vegetable tanned and made in environmentally friendly conditions. They can even be recycled (but why would you ever want to discard them)! You can be assured that these animals don’t die for their hides.

The technique for leather gilding (fixing gold leaf under heated brass tooling stamps) was introduced to Italy in the 1400s; and it quickly became the preferred finishing choice to bookbinding. These days you will find that all sorts of leather products have intricate gold designs gilded on to them: purses, souvenirs, and of course book covers. Here at MISURI we hold true to tradition and still do leather gilding by hand. We have our very own skilled craftsmen to perform this difficult technique, and they are always happy to personalize a purchase with your initials!